Irritable Bowel Syndrome

If you suffer with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, you know as well as I that it is one of the most irritating symptom of Fibromyalgia. It is reported that 60% of persons with IBS also have Fibromyalgia. As many as 70% of Fibromyalgia patients report having experiencing symptoms of IBS.

What Is IBS?

IBS is considered a functional disorder of the colon. IBS is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder because no structural or biochemical cause can be found to explain the symptoms. Upon diagnostic testing, the colon shows no signs of inflammation, ulcers or disease. IBS is diagnosed after all other digestive disorders and diseases have been ruled out.

Symptoms of IBS:

Bloating

Pain

Gas

Mucus in the stool

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Constipation

The severity of symptoms vary in individuals and can range anywhere from a mild annoyance to debilitating.

What Causes IBS:

Muscles in the colon normally contract a few times a day, moving feces along and ultimately resulting in a bowel movement. It is believed that in a person with IBS, these muscles are exceptionally sensitive to certain stimuli, or triggers. While they would not normally affect others, triggers such as certain foods, medications, or stress can provoke a strong response in the colon of a person with IBS.

Researchers are not certain exactly why the muscles in the colon of a person with IBS are more sensitive. We do know, however, that IBS is not caused by stress or strong emotions. Some people have their first flare-up of IBS symptoms during a stressful period in their life such as the death of a relative or loss of a job. However, these stresses did not cause the condition, but rather aggravated it to the point where it became more noticeable or bothersome.